Semi-finalists picked for 'world's best lobster roll' competition

Down East magazine announced the 12 semi-finalists for the World's Best Lobster Roll Competition that will take place at the inaugural Down East Lobster Roll Festival this summer.

Sponsored by Allagash Brewing Co., the July 8 festival will be held at Thompson's Point in Portland.

Dozens of lobster roll restaurants and vendors from across the U.S. submitted their application to be named to the elite list of 12 semi-finalists. The entries were narrowed down based on their recipe, the success of their lobster roll to date and their statement as to why they deserved to be named the best in the world.

The semi-finalists will bring samples to the festival, where 250 VIP guests will vote three competitors into the final round. A panel of expert judges, to be announced in the coming weeks, will then choose the ultimate winner who will enjoy the title of "World's Best Lobster Roll 2017," a trophy, and a one-page congratulatory ad in Down East magazine.

The 12 semi-finalists are:

The Lobster Lady — Phoenix, Ariz., and Isle au Haut

The Clam Shack — Kennebunk

Bob's Clam Hut — Kittery

Cousins Maine Lobster — Los Angeles, Calif., and various locations

C-Ray Lobster — Bar Harbor

Bite Into Maine — Cape Elizabeth

The Highroller Lobster Co. — Portland

Northern Maine Community College — Presque Isle

Eventide Oyster Co. — Portland

Luke's Lobster — Multiple locations

Freshies Lobster Co. — Park City, Utah

Stonington Ice Cream Company — Stonington.

The competition, the first-ever large-scale contest in Maine showcasing the state's iconic snack, will be the anchor event to a larger family-friendly afternoon of activity that will include everything from live music to an interactive kid's area to Maine-made vendors and refreshments. A project of Down East magazine, the Down East Lobster Roll Festival offers an afternoon of some good old-fashioned summer fun to demonstrate the culture and spirit of Maine.

More information about the festival, including a full list of sponsors, and a link to the festival's ticket sales can be found here.